The health and safety of both, our patients and staff is paramount. Infection control standards at Podiatry Station have always been high, and we are proud to operate from a clean and modern facility. However, additional measures are being implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain in place until further notice. This document provides extensive information to our patients and must be agreed to, in conjunction with our standard Terms of Business.

To ensure we are fully compliant, we are implementing these policies and procedures in line with advice provided by The College of Podiatry and Public Health England. However, this is not limited to their advice, and we have made some important decisions of our own.

Changes to the clinic

• Waiting area will not be in use
• Treatment room door will be left open
• As much as possible, floors and surfaces will be cleared, to allow for easier cleaning
• Signs will be placed on the front door about COVID-19 guidelines

To avoid cross over and to allow for additional cleaning, an extra 15-minute timeslot will be added to the end of each appointment, allocating enough time to maintain infection control.

Between each appointment we will disinfect the following, as necessary:

• Door handles/knobs
• Treatment couch
• Patients chair
• Podiatrists stool
• Keyboard/mouse
• Credit Card machine
• Pen
• Treatment trolley
• Cupboard handles, drill, doppler and any other items touched during the course of treatment
• Surfaces and floor 

Changes to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All staff will wear the following:

• Disposal gloves – changed for every patient
• Disposal apron – changed for every patient
• FFP2 or FFP3 face mask – changed after the recommended number hours use
• Face shield visor – changed for each new session
• Disposal mob cap – changed for each new session
• Reusable gown – washed after each session
• Reusable scrubs (top & trousers) – washed after each session 

Before booking the appointment

We will carry out a health check with the patient over the phone, to ensure the patient meets the current criteria for treatments permitted to be carried out in the “Decision Tree for Independent Practitioners” and the “Treatment Grid during COVID-19” (as supplied to members by The College of Podiatry). Patients who are particularly vulnerable or at risk are to be given priority and be seen at the start of the session.

By booking an appointment, the patient will be providing consent to attending the appointment and receiving treatment. By attending the appointment the patient agrees that to the best of their knowledge they have not had signs or symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and have not come into contact with anyone known to have had signs or symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Symptoms and signs include a cough, high temperature, and loss of smell/taste. If a patient’s health changes between the time of booking the appointment and attending the appointment, the patient must inform Podiatry Station immediately and not attend the appointment.

We will not be accepting any cash payments, and we request all patients to pay for their appointment by card over the phone, at the time of booking where possible. Our standard cancellation and non-attendance terms strictly apply.

On arrival to the appointment

• As the waiting area will not be in use, patients must wait in their car or outside the clinic until their appointment time but must arrive promptly. Entry will only be granted once the previous patient has left, and the disinfecting process has been completed.
• The patient must attend alone. Family and friends will have to wait outside. The only exception will be a carer, parent, or guardian.
• The patient must wear a face mask before entering the clinic. This must remain on at all times and must cover the nose too. If the patient does not have their own face mask, this will be supplied by the clinic for a small charge.
• Patients are requested to avoid bringing in personal items and bags, if possible. All bags and jackets/coats must be left in the box provided outside the treatment room.
• The patient will be directed to use hand sanitiser as soon as entering.
• As much as possible, the patient must refrain from touching anything and maintain a safe distance at all times.

Please note, appointments are booked at the patients own risk. We accept no responsibility if a patient (or anyone accompanying the patient) becomes ill from attending the clinic.